The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation (CSO), has called on all those involved in serving pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj exercise to act with the fear of God.
As the airlift of intending pilgrims commenced on Friday, the CSO, in a statement issued by Ibrahim Mohammed, its national coordinator, reminded officials and service providers that hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, noting that rendering sincere service to pilgrims attracts immense spiritual rewards.
“Beyond any economic gains, any service rendered to one’s best abilities to the guests of Ar-Rahman will surely earn those who offered the services Allah’s mercy,” the statement reads.
The organisation urged officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as well as state and federal capital territory (FCT) pilgrimage boards, to adhere strictly to their standard operating procedures (SOP), especially when inviting pilgrims to transit camps.
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“We have had scenarios in the past whereby intending pilgrims are asked to report to camp after being informed that they will be airlifted within 24 hours, only for such pilgrims to spend several days there, thereby exposing them to untold hardships even before they arrive in Saudi Arabia,” the group said.
IHR also stressed the importance of transparency in the distribution of the basic travel allowance (BTA), urging officials to be open and honest with pilgrims.
The group further appealed to all service providers, both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to abide by the terms of their engagement and discharge their duties faithfully.
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“To the pilgrims themselves, we urge you all to know that Allah chose you out of over a billion Muslims to perform this important religious obligation, the result of which is Aljalnah Firdausi,” the group said.
“Your goals should be to perform Hajj Mabrur, and anything that tries to come in the way of that should be seen as a distraction and a gimmick by Iblis, the cursed one, to deny you the chance to achieve your aims.
“Your patience will be tested not just by officials but by service providers and even fellow pilgrims themselves. Kindly ignore everything, remain patient and focus on your Hajj rites.
“Know that officials are human beings too who are there to serve you but can make mistakes.”
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This is an AI-assisted report.
